Leggings.

The truth is, we all love them. Don’t say you don’t, because you really do.

Leggings have been treated like the ugly stepchild of the hosiery family for too long – only being worn when that mini skirt needed liberation but your shivering legs just couldn’t handle it on their own. But, there are some new leggings in town, and trust me, they’re running the show. It will be hard to ignore all of the leggings being flashed upon legs this season. Metallic, fluorescent, faux snakeskin, leather – there is now a legging in every color and pattern imaginable.

And, although there were some seen strolling down runways with prices that would amount to the hefty down payment on your dream home, you can still find these leggings at department stores for a reasonable price. (That leaves you with no excuse.)

Leggings are so comfortable it can feel like you have nothing on. And, they can be added to virtually any outfit – whether the weather is insisting on their presence, or not. Do you like wearing dresses on certain occasions? Oh, you do?! Well, next time, just pair that dress with a pair of black leggings. See? That wasn’t so hard.

You hate dresses? Well then, try a pair of denim leggings. You can pair them with a camisole and blazer, or just match them with an oversized tee shirt or a tunic (throw on some heels and that will make the slender leggings appear even slimmer).

Your ankles are wobbling from the mere thought of heels? Leggings make you look even more graceful when you wear them with ballet flats.

There is one pair of leggings that needs some defense – skintight “wet” leggings are considered territory for girls who haven’t consumed more than a carrot stick and 16 ounces of water in the last 3 months. I have to object. Liquid leggings, in a matte or shiny finish, can be sexy, daring and slimming – if you find the right pair that shows off your assets and flattens every possible flaw.

I have a pair of gray lace leggings, found a pair of zippered black leggings for a steal, I’m desperately searching for the right liquid leggings, and – at this very moment – I’m wearing a pair of denim leggings (with a fake zipper and fake pockets) that I love more than my favorite pair of pajama pants.

Believe in miracles, because there is a legging out there for you. I know. It’s hard to believe. But love comes in all shapes and sizes. Just go with it.

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I paused for a moment, picturing my outfit from the previous weekend – a short, tight, strapless white dress, a wide tan belt and … tan cowboy boots.

“Yes, there is always a time for cowboy boots.”

And in my defense, not only did I think my outfit was cute, but I’ve seen Jessica Simpson, Sienna Miller, Rachel Bilson, Jessica Alba and Ashley Olsen looking pretty cute in their cowboy boots too.

It’s true, even if you don’t call Tulsa your hometown, you can still rock cowboy boots. And even better? You can wear them in a way that makes hillbilly look chic. (If that’s possible.)

Distressed denim skirts and halter-tops are a cute way to wear cowboy boots at country concerts in the summertime, but for fall, boots should be paired with dresses or jeans.

You want to keep the length above the knee and avoid fancy fabrics like satin (cowboy boots don’t pair well with evening gowns – even in Oklahoma), but these boots can work with almost any short cocktail dress – from floral prints to black mini dresses.

When matching your boots to dresses, remember that your new cowgirl boots are fun and flirty so your style should mirror that. Don’t forget to add a long cardigan with your dress and boots to take your outfit into the evening.

Cowboy boots are also perfect tucked into skinny or straight leg jeans and paired with a longer shirt and a cropped, structured jacket.

With the right outfit you can even wear leggings tucked into cowboy boots. Try a black (short) cotton dress with a ruffled hem, belted at the waist, with black leggings and your new cowboy boots.

It’s important to avoid brighter colors and flashy pieces. You also might want to make the boots the only country piece in your ensemble. Don’t pair your boots with short denim shorts, a plaid shirt, a dusty cowboy hat and pigtails – unless it’s your Halloween costume.

All the rules aside, it’s time to find your dream cowboy boots and hit up a hoedown near you. Yee haw!

Click here for original publication on delamina.com